This blog is about basketball and football with a focus on Minnesota players and teams. From time to time I will explore other athletic activities. If you would like to contribute your information or news send me an email at stevenmgr@hotmail.com or call me at 1 (612) 267-6709

Saturday, September 17, 2016

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS JOIN IN PROTESTS

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem during the first preseason game during the 2016 season.

Kaepernick explained that the reason that he did that was to protest injustices.

In Minnesota during the summer of 2016 there were a few shootings around the area at the hands of the police that touched off a lot of racial tensions across major cities in the metro area.

Around the country and around the state of Minnesota sports teams have taken notice. High school teams have also taking part in the protest. During a recent football game at Minneapolis North High School several players took a knee during the national anthem. Also members of the Minneapolis South High School volleyball team took a knee before a game during the national anthem.

High school sports teams from across the country have also took a stand by kneeling during the national anthem.

There has been a lot of discussions on around the country about race relations not only in the sporting community but in general.

The magnitude of different events that have happened at the hands of police that have mobilized different groups of people.

Athletes have taken their voices to the field or the court to take a stand on social issues across the country as well. Teams have created hashtags to promote their awareness of social issues.

I support what these athletes are doing. I think that it is their thought of a way to stand up in what they believe in socially. They are using their voices in the actions that they are doing. I don’t think that the players are doing anything wrong by kneeling during the anthem. I don’t think that this issue will go away soon. As the sports season changes I think that other sporting events and teams will follow suite.

I think that this type of protest has legs to move. The question for me is what can America do to bridge the “gap” and start talking about race relations and sports and all come together. This is another example of a social issue getting steam and picking up in the sporting world. I think that it is a good idea to have a dialog about sports and issues that come up and affect people in every possible situation.

For some player’s sports is their outlet. It’s a chance for them to showcase their skills while learning about life lessons. Sports just doesn’t teach you how to pass a ball or hit a ball or a birdy. Sports can also teach you about yourself and your goals in life.

Teams can use these protests as a teachable monument. They can share their feelings on what is going on in the world around them without feeling isolated.

The fight for justice will continue on and off the field/courts around the country.